Amido substituted naphthalenes and intermediates thereof

ABSTRACT

The synthesis of amido substituted naphthalenes and their intermediates is described. The intermediates and amido substituted naphthalenes are useful as anti-inflammatory agents.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 912,901, filed Sept. 26, 1986 and now U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,894.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to amido substituted naphthalenes of general formula I: ##STR1## or their intermediates of general formula II: ##STR2## as described further below, and to a method for synthesizing the naphthalene derivatives. The amido substituted naphthalenes are pharmacologically active in alleviating inflammation, asthma, hypersensitivity, myocardial ischemia, dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, and dermatitis and gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel syndromes.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Nonosteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin, naproxen, ibuprofen, tolectin, fenoprofen and the like have generally been shown to attenuate the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme cycloxygenase. The prostaglandin end-products of the cyclooxygenase pathway are responsible for many of the early signs of inflammation including peralgesia, increases in vascular permeability leading to edema, and pyrexia. The activity and potency of the NSAIDs in reducing these signs and symptoms is, for the most part, correlated with their ability to inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis.

The other major pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism is the lipoxygenase pathway. Lipoxygenase products of arachidonate metabolism, the leukotrienes, hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) and hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids, have been shown or implicated to be involved in disease states including acute and chronic inflammation, arthritis, allergic and other hypersensitivity disorders, dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, acne, atopic dermatitis, contact sensitivity, eczema and others, cardiovascular disorders secondary to myocardial ischemia such as infarction, thromboembolism or vasculities, or platelet aggregation, and hyperalgesic disorders, gynecological disorders such as dysmenorrhea, ocular inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases.

Leukotriene B₄, another product of the lipoxygenase pathway, as well as the hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids and hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids, can mediate induction of other phlogistic substances such as thromboxanes and prostacyclin, is chemotactic to inflammatory cells, and is hyperalgesic. Many of these mediators have been identified in skin, lungs, coronary circulation, eyes and other organs and in the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritic patients. In chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, it is believed to be the chronic influx of leukocytes, probably mediated by leukotriene B₄, that is the eventual cause of joint erosion.

It is believed that inhibitors of the lipoxygenase pathway could lead to a relatively permanent effect on inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis since they could modulate the actual mechanism of tissue and joint breakdown. Similarly, drugs that could inhibit prostglandin synthesis via the cyclooxygenase pathway could modulate and reduce early manifestations of inflammation. Pharmacologically active compounds that can inhibit both enzyme pathways at similar concentrations (dual inhibitors) provide a more complete relief for patients suffering from arthritis, hypersensitivity, dermatological, cardiovascular, ocular, and gynecological disorders than present drugs that inhibit one pathway but not the other, as is the case for usually used NSAIDs that are predominantly inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase (prostaglandin synthesis) pathway.

Several naphthalene derivatives have been previously described. For example, naproxen, 6-methoxy-α-methyl-2-naphthalene acetic acid has been described as a potent anti-inflammatory agent which acts by a cyclooxygenase mechanism. J. Med. Chem. 13, 203 (1970) and Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 46, 552 (1972). Naproxen is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,767.

Nabumetone (BRL-14777), 4-(6-methoxy-2-naphthalenyl)-2-butanone and its analogs have been reported as anti-inflammatory agents with greatly reduced gastrointestinal complications. J. Med. Chem. 21, 1260 (1978) and Drugs of the Future VI, p. 35 (1981). Nabumetone is described in British Pat. No. 1,474,377.

In addition, several oxoalkanoic acid or ester substituted naphthalenes have been previously described. For example, 4-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-4-oxobutyric acid and its esters have been described as intermediates for the synthesis of other compounds in Beilstein 10, 3rd Suppl., pp. 4414-5; Chimia 18, 141 (1964); Czech. Coll. Chem. Communs. 26, 1475 (1961) and J. Org. Chem. 25, 1856 (1960).

6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoic acid was prepared in Bull. Chem. Socl. Fr., 1959, pp. 1943-6, b the action of acid chlorides on tetrahydropyranyl esters of HO₂ CCH₂ CH₂ (CH₂)₂ CO₂ H. This reaction had not been previously reported, and circumvented the use of acid chlorides of dibasic acids in a Friedel-Crafts type acylation. 5-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-5-oxopentanoic acid was prepared in a similar manner as reported in Croat. Chem. Acta 41, 251 (1969).

None of the prior art directed to the oxoalkanoic acid or ester substituted naphthalenes describes any biological activity for the compounds. None of this prior art describes amido substituted naphthalene compounds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to amido substituted naphthalene compounds of the formula: ##STR3## where: R₁ may be C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ branched-chain alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₃₋₆ alkynyl, or an aralkyl wherein the alkyl group is C₁₋₃ unsubstituted or substituted with C₁₋₂ alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, wherein the alkyl group is C₁₋₆ ;

R₂ may be H, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₁₀ branched-chain alkyl, C₅₋₇ cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by C₁₋₃ alkyl or C₁₋₃ alkoxy;

R₃ may be H or C₁₋₃ alkyl; and

(CH₂)_(n) may be a straight- or branched-alkyl chain of 0-5 carbons.

The present invention is further directed to intermediates of the compounds of formula I having the formula: ##STR4## where R₁ and (CH₂)_(n) are as defined above. R₁ may also be H and R₄ may be H or C₁₋₃ alkyl with the proviso that when (CH₂)_(n) is an alkyl chain of 0-2 carbons, R₁ is not C₁₋₂ alkyl.

The compounds of formula I or II are useful as anti-inflammatory agents. The compounds inhibit the cyclooxygenase pathway and may additionally inhibit the lipoxygenase pathway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention in its broadest aspects relates to amido substituted naphthalene compounds and intermediates thereof which have an anti-inflammatory activity. The amido substituted naphthalene compounds demonstrating an anti-inflammatory activity are shown by formula I above. The intermediates of these compounds which also have an anti-inflammatory activity are shown by formula II above.

The preferred compounds are those wherein R₁ is CH₃, R₂ is H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₄ branched-chain alkyl, cyclohexyl and phenyl, and R₃ is H or CH₃. The most preferred compounds are those wherein R₁ is CH₃, R₂ is CH₃, CH(CH₃)₂ or phenyl, R₃ is H, and (CH₂)_(n) is a straight-alkyl chain of 2 carbons, or R₁ is CH₃, R₂ is CH₃, R₃ is CH₃ and (CH₂)_(n) is a straight-alkyl chain of 2 carbons.

The compounds of formulas I and II can be prepared as shown in the following schemes: ##STR5##

The compounds of formula II are prepared as follows: A compound of the formula ClCOCH₂ CH₂ (CH₂)_(n) COOR₄ is mixed with AlCl₃ in an inert solvent such as methylene chloride, and then 2-methoxy-naphthalene 1 is added. The reaction is allowed to proceed at room temperature for about 1-4 hours to produce the oxoalkanoate ester 2. The ester 2 is then converted to the acid 3 by dissolving the ester 2 in an aqueous alcoholic solvent and treating with an alkali metal base at reflux temperatures for about 2-6 hours. Suitable alcohols include methanol and ethanol. Preferred bases are potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Alternatively, the ester 2 or acid 3 can be prepared by any of the prior art methods described above.

The oxoalkanoic acids or esters in which R₁ is other than CH₃ are prepared by dissolving the oxoalkanoic acid 3 where R₁ is CH₃ in a polar solvent, such as dimethylformamide, and slowly adding the solution to a solution of sodium hydride and butanethiol (to generate butylsulfide in situ) in a polar solvent such as dimethyl-formamide at reflux temperatures. The mixture is heated at reflux for about 1-4 hours to produce the acid 4. The acid 4 is esterified by dissolving it in an alcoholic solvent and treating with HCl at reflux temperatures to produce the ester 5. Suitable alcohols include ethanol and methanol. The ester 5 is then reacted with a compound of the formula R₁ X, wherein X is a halogen atom such as bromo, chloro or iodo and R₁ is as defined in formula I, in a solvent such as acetone at reflux temperatures for about 2-56 hours to produce the ester 2. The ester 2 is converted to the acid 3 as previously described.

The compounds of formula I are prepared as follows: The oxoalkanoic acid 3 is dissolved in a solvent such as benzene and oxalyl chloride is added. The mixture is reacted at reflux for about 1-3 hours to produce the acid chloride. The acid chloride is dissolved in an inert solvent such as tetrahydrofuran and added dropwise to an aqueous solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran:H₂ O (2:1) containing a compound of the formula HNR₂ OR₃ and a base such as triethyl amine at 0° C. The reaction proceeds at 0° C. for about 0.5-1.0 hour and then at room temperature for about 2-12 hours to produce the amido substituted naphthalene compounds of formula I.

Pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of the present invention as the active ingredient in intimate admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be prepared according to conventional pharmaceutical compounding techniques. The carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending on the form or preparation desired for administration, e.g., intravenous, oral or parenteral. In preparing the compositions in oral dosage form, any of the usual pharmaceutical media may be employed, such as, for example, water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives, coloring agents and the like in the case of oral liquid preparations (such as, for example, suspensions, elixirs and solutions); or carriers such as starches, sugars, diluents, granulating agents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like in the case of oral solid preparations (such as, for example, powders, capsules and tablets). Because of their ease in administration, tablets and capsules represent the most advantageous oral dosage unit form, in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are obviously employed. If desired, tablets may be sugar-coated or enteric-coated by standard techniques. For parenterals, the carrier will usually comprise sterile water, though other ingredients, for example, to aid solubility or for preservative purposes, may be included. Injectable suspensions may also be prepared, in which case appropriate liquid carriers, suspending agents and the like may be employed. The pharmaceutical compositions will generally contain dosage unit. e.g., tablet, capsule, powder, injection, teaspoonful and the like, from about 0.01 to about 500 mg/kg, and preferably from about 0.1 to about 50 mg/kg of the active ingredient.

The following examples describe the invention in greater particularity and are intended to be a way of illustrating but not limiting the invention.

Melting points (mp) were determined on a Thomas-Hoover apparatus, and are uncorrected. The infrared (IR) spectra were recorded on a Beckman Instruments IR-B spectrophotometer and are expressed in reciprocal centimeters. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra for hydrogen atoms were measured in the indicated solvent with tetramethylsilane (TMS) as the internal standard on a Varian T-60A or an IBM WP-100 spectrometer. The values are expressed in parts per million down-field from TMS. Parenthesized, underlined hydrogens were assigned to the resonance positions immediately before the parentheses. EI and CI mass spectra were obtained on a Finnigan 1015D quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled to a Finnigan 9500 gas chromatograph or a Finnigan MAT 8230 Double Focusing high resolution mass spectrometer.

EXAMPLE 1 Ethyl 8-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-8-oxooctanoate

To a slurry of AlCl₃ (26.7 g, 200 mM) in CH₂ Cl₂ (300 ml) was added ethyl suberyl chloride (22.03 g, 100 mM). After 15 minutes, a solution of 2-methoxy-naphthalene (15.82 g, 100 mM) in CH₂ Cl₂ (100 ml) was added to the above slurry and stirring of the reaction mixture was continued for 2 hours at room temperature. The reaction was quenched with 300 ml concentrated HCl in 300 g ice and the resulting layers separated. The aqueous layer was washed with CH₂ Cl₂ and the combined CH₂ Cl₂ layer was washed with 5% NaHCO₃ (200 ml). The CH₂ Cl₂ layer was filtered, dried (Na₂ SO₄), and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue which was purified via flash chromatography on silica using CHCl₃ as eluent followed by a similar column with hexane:EtOAc (3:2) as eluent. The desired product was further purified by recrystallization (Et₂ O/Hexane) to give the title compound as a white solid (5.3 g, 15% yield), mp=77-78° C. NMR (CDCl₃) 1.2 (t, 3H, CH₂ CH₃), 1.4-1.9 (m, 8H, 4xCH₂), 2.3 (m, 2H), 3.0 (m, 2H), 3.9 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.1 (q, 2H, OCH₂ CH₃), 7.0-8.4 (m, 6H, aromatic H); IR (KBr) 1740, 1670; MS, m/e 342 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₁ H₂₆ O_(4:) C, 73.66; H, 7.65, Found: C, 73.80; H, 7.63.

EXAMPLES 2-4

Following the procedure of Example 1 but substituting ethyl adipyl chloride, methyl azelayl chloride or methyl suberyl chloride for the ethyl suberyl chloride, the following compounds were prepared.

(2) Ethyl 6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoate White solid, mp=64°-65° C.; MS, m/e 314 (M⁺).

Theor. C₁₉ H₂₂ O₄ : C, 72.59; H, 7.05, Found: C, 72.80; H, 7.30.

(3) Methyl 9-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-9-oxononanoate White solid, mp=74°-76° C.; MS, m/e 342 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₁ H₂₆ O₄ : C, 73.66; H, 7.65, Found: C, 73.30; H, 7.67.

(4) Methyl 8-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-8-oxooctanoate White solid, mp=95°-96° C.; MS, m/e 328 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₀ H₂₄ O₄ : C, 73.15; H, 7.37, Found: C, 73.03; H, 7.70.

EXAMPLE 5

Following the procedure of th cited reference, the following compound was prepared.

(5) 6-(6-Methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoic acid Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr., 1959, pp. 1943-6

EXAMPLE 6 8-(6-Methoxy-2-naphthyl)-8-oxooctanoic acid

The compound from Example 4 (1.5 g, 4.6 mM) was hydrolyzed with ethanolic KOH at reflux to give the title compound as a white solid (1.0 g, 73% yield) after recrystallization from EtOAc, mp=148°-149° C.; MS, m/e 314 (M⁺).

Theor. C₁₉ H₂₂ O₄ : C, 72.59; H, 7.05, Found: C, 72.74; H, 7.25.

Similarly, the compound from Example 3 is hydrolyzed to yield 9-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-9-oxononanoic acid.

EXAMPLE 7 6-(6-Hydroxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoic acid

Butyl sulfide was generated by placing NaH (2.57 g, 0.11 mol) in a 500 ml round bottom flask, adding butanethiol (5.14 ml, 0.48 mol) and stirring for 5 minutes. DMF (200 mls) was added and the reaction heated at reflux. Slowly, 6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxo-hexanoic acid (Example 5) (7.2 g, 0.25 mol) in DMF (100 ml) was added to the reaction and heated at reflux for 1 hour. The methyl butyl sulfide and DMF were vacuum distilled (7 torr, 28° C.) to leave a bright yellow powder that was dissolved in water and precipitated with 5% HCl. The precipitate was filtered, dissolved in ethyl acetate (1800 ml), dried (Na₂ SO₄), filtered and evaporated to give a yellow solid that was recrystallized (ethyl acetate) to give the title compound (5.38 grams, 79% yield), mp 191°-193° C.; MS, m/e 272 (M⁺).

Theor. C₁₆ H₁₆ O₄ : C, 70.57; H, 5.92, Found: C, 70.21; H, 5.90.

The 6-hydroxynaphthalene compounds of the acids produced in Example 6 are prepared by following the above procedure using the acids prepared in Example 6.

EXAMPLE 8 Ethyl 6-(6-hydroxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoate

The hexanoic acid produced in Example 7 (3.0 g, 9.2 mM) was esterified with EtOH/HCl (200 ml) at reflux to give after recrystallization (EtOH) the title compound as a white solid (2.72 g, 82% yield), mp 139°-142° C.; MS, m/e 300 (M⁺).

Theor. C₁₈ H₂₀ O₄ : C, 71.98; H, 6.71, Found: C, 72.40; H, 6.93.

The additional 6-hydroxynaphthalene oxoalkanoic acids produced in Example 7 are esterified in accordance with the above procedure.

EXAMPLE 9 Ethyl 6-[6-(3-methylbutyloxy)-2-naphthyl]-6-oxohexanoate

The hexanoic acid ester produced in Example 8 (2 g, 6.7 mM), K₂ CO₃ (0.94 g, 6.8 mM) and 1-bromo-3-methylbutane (0.82 ml, 6.8 mM) in acetone (100 ml) were heated at reflux for 56 hours. The cooled reaction mixture was filtered, concentrated in vacuo and the residue purified via flash chromatography on silica (25% EtOAc/Hexane). Recrystallization (Et₂ O) gave the title compound as a white solid (1.2 g, 45% yield), mp 65°-66° C., NMR (CDCl₃) 1.0-1.5 (m, 9H, 3-CH₃), 1.6-2.0 (m, 7H), 2.4 (m, 2H), 3.2 (m, 2H), 4.0-4.4 (m, 4H), 7.0-8.2 (m, 6H, aromatic H); IR (KBr) 1740, 1680; MS, m/e 370 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₃ H₃₀ O₄ : C, 74.56; H, 8.16, Found: C, 74.44; L H, 8.09.

EXAMPLES 10-14

Following the procedure of Example 9 but substituting 2-bromoethanol, benzyl bromide, allyl bromide, 2-bromopentane and propargyl bromide for the 1-bromo-3-methyl-butane, the following compounds were prepared.

(10) Ethyl 6-[6-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-naphthyl]-6-oxohexanoate

Yellow solid, mp=83°-84° C.; MS, m/e 344 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₀ H₂₄ O₅ : C, 69.75; H, 7.02, Found: C, 69.53; H, 7.24.

(11) Ethyl 6-(6-benzyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoate White solid, mp=97°-98° C.; MS, m/e 390 (M⁺)

Theor. C₂₅ H₂₆ O₄ : C, 76.90; H, 6.71, Found: C, 76.72; H, 6.98.

(12) Ethyl 6-(6-allyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoate White solid, mp=82°-84° C.; MS, m/e 340 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₁ H₂₄ O₄ : C, 74.09; H, 7.11, Found: C, 73.90; H, 7.25.

(13) Ethyl 6-(6-(1-methylbutyloxy)-2-naphthyl-6-oxohexanoate

White solid, mp=48°-49° C.; MS, m/e 370 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₃ H₃₀ O₄ : C, 74.56; H, 8.16, Found: C, 74.34; H, 8.51.

(14) Ethyl 6-(6-propynyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoate White solid, mp=100°-101° C.; MS, m/e 338 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₁ H₂₂ O₄ : C, 74.53; H, 6.55, Found: C, 74.70; H, 6.82.

When in the procedures of Examples 9-14, the 6-hydroxynaphthalene oxoalkanoic acid esters produced in Example 8 are employed, the corresponding -8-oxooctanoate and -9-oxononanoate derivatives are prepared.

When in the above procedures, vinyl bromide, 6-bromo-1-hexene, bromoethane, 1-bromo-3-phenylpropane, 2-bromo-3-phenylpropane, and 3-methylbenzyl bromide are employed, the corresponding 6-vinyloxy-2-naphthyl, 6-(1-hexen-6-yl)oxy-2-naphthyl, 6-ethoxy-2-naphthyl, 6-(3-phenylpropyloxy)-2-naphthyl, 6-(1-methyl-2-phenylethoxy)-2-naphthyl and 6-(3-methylbenzyloxy)-2-naphthyl derivatives are prepared. The oxoalkanoic acids are prepared by following the procedure described in Example 6.

EXAMPLE 15 N-Hydroxy-N-methyl-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanamide

The compound prepared in Example 5 (1.43 g, 5.0 mM) was dissolved in dry benzene (50 ml). Oxalyl chloride (0.75 g, 6 mM) was added and the solution refluxed for 2 hours, cooled, and concentrated in vacuo to give the acid chloride as a yellow solid. The acid chloride was then dissolved in THF (30 ml), and added dropwise to a solution of N-methyl hydroxylamine.HCl (0.42 g, 5 mM) and Et₃ N (3 ml) in THF:H₂ O (2:1, 30 ml) at 0° C. The resulting solution was stirred for 1 hour at 0° C. and then for 1 hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel containing 100 ml of Et₂ O and the organic layer was separated and washed with 5% HCl (15 ml, 2×) and brine (15 ml, 2×), dried (Na₂ SO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Recrystallization (Et₂ O) gave the title compound as a white solid (900 mg, 57% yield), mp=116°-118° C. NMR (CDCl₃) 1.7-2.0 (m, 4H, --CH₂ --C/H₂ --), 2.2-2.6 (m, 2H), 3.1 (t, J=7Hz, 2H), 3.3 (s, 3H, N--CH₃), 3.95 (3, 3H, OCH₃), 7.1-8.4 (m, 6H, aromatic H); IR (KBr) 3150, 1785, 1630; MS, m/e 315 (M⁺).

Theor. C₁₈ H₂₁ NO₄ : C, 68.55; H, 6.71; N, 4.44, Found: C, 68.26; H, 6.44; N, 4.24.

EXAMPLES 16-24

Following the procedure of Example 15 but substituting the corresponding amine.HCl for the N-methylhydroxylamine.HCl, the following compounds were prepared.

(16) N-Hydroxy-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanamide White solid, mp=139°-142° C.; MS, m/e 301 (M⁺).

(17) N-Ethyl-N-hydroxy-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxxohexanamide

White solid, mp=100°-101° C.; MS, m/e 329 (M⁺).

Theor. C₁₉ H₂₃ NO₄ : C, 69.28; H, 7.04; N, 4.25, Found: C, 69.18; H, 7.28; N, 4.25.

(18) N-Butyl-N-hydroxy-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanamide

White solid, mp=112°-113° C.; MS, m/e 357 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₁ H₂₇ NO₄ : C, 70.56; H, 7.61; N, 3.92, Found: C, 70.50; H, 7.77; N, 3.91.

(19) N-Heptyl-N-hydroxy-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanamide

White solid, mp=119°-120° C.; MS, m/e 399 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₄ H₃₃ NO₄ : C, 72.15; H, 8.33; N, 3.51, Found: C, 72.09; H, 8.55; N, 3.51.

(20) N-tert-Butyl-N-hydroxy-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanamide

White solid, mp=85°-87° C.; MS, m/e 357 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₁ H₂₇ NO₄ : C, 70.56; H, 7.61; N, 3.92, Found: C, 70.58; H, 7.69; N, 3.86.

(21) N-Hydroxy-N-cyclohexyl-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanamide

Yellow solid, mp=133°-135° C.; MS, m/e 383 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₃ H₂₉ NO₄ : C, 72.04; H, 7.62; N, 3.64, Found: C, 71.88; H, 7.84; N, 3.59.

(22) N-Hydroxy-N-phenyl-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanamide

Yellow solid, mp=153°-154° C.; MS, m/e 377 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₃ H₂₃ NO₄ : C, 73.19; H, 6.14; N, 3.71, Found: C, 72.80; H, 6.41; N, 3.74.

(23) N-Methoxy-N-methyl-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanamide

White solid, mp=97°-98° C.; MS, m/e 329 (M⁺).

Theor. C₁₉ H₂₃ NO₄ : C, 69.28; H, 7.04; N, 4.25, Found: C, 69.14; H, 7.18; N, 4.08.

(24) N-Hydroxy-N-isopropyl-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanamide

White solid, mp=123°-124° C.; MS, m/e 343 (M⁺).

Theor. C₂₀ H₂₅ NO₄ : C, 69.95; H, 7.34; N, 4.08, Found: C, 69.53; H, 7.48; N, 3.99.

When in the procedures of Examples 15-24, the oxoalkanoic acids prepared as described in Examples 9-14 are substituted for the oxohexanoic acid of Examples 15-24, the corresponding oxoalkanamides are obtained.

EXAMPLE 25 In Vivo Alleviation of Inflammation

Polyarthritis was induced in Lewis strain laboratory rats (weight=about 200 grams) by injection of a suspension of Mycobacterium butyricum in mineral oil into the subplantar tissue of the mammals' hind paws. On day 10 after the injection, the rats were assigned to groups, and paw volumes and body weights were recorded. Paw volumes of the contralateral, uninjected hind paw were determined by mercury plethylsmography. Per os (p.o.) dosing began and continued for five consecutive days thereafter. On day 14 after the initial injection, approximately four hours after the final dose was administered, paw volumes and body weights were recorded and quantitated.

Anti-inflammatory activity of the substituted naphthalene compounds is expressed as the percent inhibition of paw volume increase. The results of this study for several compounds are shown in Table I.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Representative                                     Substituted Naphthalene Derivatives                                            Compound                 % Inhibition                                          (Example)    Dose (mg/kg)                                                                               Oral Dosage*                                          ______________________________________                                          1           50          48                                                     2           22          50                                                     4           50          53                                                     6           50          47                                                     8           50          12                                                    12           50          44                                                    14           50          23                                                    15           40          34                                                    17           50          23                                                    21           50          33                                                    22           50          28                                                    23           50          60                                                    24           50          51                                                    ______________________________________                                          *Percentage inhibition of pad swelling from oral dosages in the amount of      the compound shown.                                                      

EXAMPLE 26 In Vivo Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase

The compounds of the invention may be used as pharmaceutical agents in the treatment of inflammation and/or allergic reactions. Such activity can be exhibited by reference to the ability of the compound to inhibit the action of the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase in vitro, and the testing was carried out by the following procedure.

Preparation of Cells and Cell-Free Homogenates

Rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-1) were grown in Eagle's Minimal Essential Medium containing 10% fetal calf serum. 5% calf serum, 1% glutamine and 50 mg/l gentamycin were maintained at 37° C. in an atmosphere containing 5% CO₂. Exponentially growing cells were harvested by centrifugation at 400 xg for 10 minutes at 4° C. and were washed once with Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline containing 0.87 mM CaCl₂. The cells were resuspended in the same buffer at a concentration of 1.85×10⁷ cells/ml.

5-HETE Production in Whole Cells

RBL-1 cells (1.57×10⁷ cells/tube) were preincubated for 10 minutes at 37° C. in the presence of the indicated drugs or vehicle (1% DMSO). Following the transfer of the assay tubes to an icebath, the reaction was initiated by the sequential addition of calcium ionophore A23187, an agent which increases the ability of divalent ions such as Ca⁺⁺ to cross biological membranes (final concentration=1.9 μM) and 55 μM 1-¹⁴ C-arachidonic acid (New England Nuclear) at a final specific activity of 3000-4000 cpm/nmole. The final volume in each tube was 1 ml. The assay tubes were incubated at 37° C. for 5 minutes, and the reaction was stopped by transferring the tubes to ice and adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to pH 3.0-3.5 by the addition of 1M citric acid.

Isolation and Quantiation of 5-HETE

In order to isolate the Δ₅ -lipoxygenase product, ¹⁴ C-5-HETE that was formed from arachidonic acid, each assay tube was extracted once with 6 volumes of anhydrous diethyl ether. In most assays, the recovery of product was estimated by determining the total amount of radioactivity recovered after extraction. In the remaining assays the recovery of ¹⁴ C-5-HETE was monitored by addition of trace quantities of ³ H-5-HETE (New England Nuclear) prior to extraction. The ether fractions from each sample were dried under nitrogen, redissolved and spotted on Gleman silica gel-impregnated glass fiber sheets. The plates were developed in iso-octane:2-butanone:glacial acetic acid (100:9:1). The area of each plate corresponding to added 5-HETE standard was visualized in an iodine chamber. The amount of ¹⁴ C-5-HETE presented was quantitated by liquid scintillation counting in Aquasol II (New England Nuclear) and corrected for recovery. The percent inhibition of lipoxygenase activity represents the decrease in the amount of product formed from arachidonic acid by the cells or cell supernatant in the presence of drug. The values for negative controls (assays incubated on ice in the presence of citric acid) were always less than 10% of the positive controls and were subtracted from each tube. The IC₅₀ is the concentration of drug which is required for 50% inhibition of the enzyme, as determined graphically from assays using multiple concentrations of drug. For drugs which did not inhibit the enzyme by 50% at the highest concentration tested (10 μM), their activity is reported as having an IC₅₀ which is greater than 10 μM. The results are shown in Table II.

                  TABLE II                                                         ______________________________________                                         Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Activity                                                      Compound IC.sub.50 *                                                           (Example)                                                                               (μM)                                                        ______________________________________                                                 2      >10                                                                     8      >10                                                                    12      >10                                                                    15      0.25                                                                   16      10                                                                     17      0.11                                                                   18      0.37                                                                   19      1.6                                                                    20      0.45                                                                   21      0.4                                                                    22      0.1                                                                    23      >10                                                                    24      0.12                                                            ______________________________________                                          *In vitro concentration required for compound to inhibit RBL cell              lipoxygenase activity by 50%.                                             

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound selected from the group consisting of Ethyl 6-(6-allyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoate, methyl 8-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-8-oxooctanoate, ethyl 6-(6-benzyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoate, methyl 6-(6-benzyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoate, 6-(6-benzyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoic acid, and methyl 6-(6-allyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoate.
 2. A Compound selected from the group consisting of 6-(6-allyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoic acid, ethyl 6-(6-propargyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoate, methyl 6-(6-propargyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoate, 6-(6-propargyloxy-2-naphthyl)-6-oxohexanoic acid, ethyl 6-[6-(3-methylbutyloxy)-2-naphthyl]-6-oxohexanoate, and methy 6-[6-(3-methylbutyloxy)-2-naphthyl]-6-oxohexanoate.
 3. A compound selected from the group consisting of 6-[6-(3-methylbutyloxy)-2-naphthyl]-6-oxohexanoic acid, ethyl 6-[6-(1-methylbutyloxy)-2-naphthyl]-6-oxohexanote, methyl 6-[6-(1-methylbutyloxy-2-naphthyl]-6-oxohexanoate, 6-[6-(1-methylbutyloxy)-2-naphthyl]-6-oxohexanoic acid, ethyl 8-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-8-oxooctanoate, and 8-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-8-oxooctanoic acid. 